I’ve been around my fair share of self-made successes—both real and imaginary. In my early days as an entrepreneur, I attended networking events filled with folks boasting about their so-called fortunes.
Most of them were just hardworking dreamers (like me), but there were always a few who oozed big-money vibes without ever flashing a legitimate balance sheet.
Here are eight subtle behaviors I’ve noticed in people who pretend to be rich but are actually broke. If you spot more than a few of these signs in someone (or even in yourself—no judgment here), it might be time for a financial reality check.
1. Name-Dropping & Brand-Bragging
They’ll casually mention the top-notch brand names they wear and the influencers they “know.” The brand mentions are so forced, it’s like a marketing pitch for themselves.
While I do appreciate a high-end product every now and then, it’s always a bit off-putting when someone only wears labels big enough to see from space.
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus
This quote sums it up perfectly. True wealth isn’t all about flaunting designer gear (and if you can’t afford it, a knockoff with a flashy label is fooling exactly nobody).
2. The Overly Lavish Storytelling
They might not openly say, “I’m rich,” but their stories are so extravagant, you almost expect a red carpet to roll out at the end. If they’re constantly talking about “that time they popped champagne in Dubai” or “the yacht trip in Greece,” it’s worth doing a quick mental check: do these stories all sound like tall tales?
I tried this brand of hype myself once, back when I was a clueless 22-year-old newbie. I found out the hard way that tall tales only make your reality seem shorter.
3. Throwing Money Around—In Public
These folks are more than happy to pick up the tab in front of a big group but might dodge a smaller check when they think nobody’s watching. Why? Because the spectacle of spending is part of the show.
One friend of mine noticed that his “wealthy” buddy would loudly insist on paying in crowded bars, but the same buddy would mysteriously “forget his wallet” in a smaller lunch setting. Classic.
4. Always Talking About Their Next Big Thing
They’ll hint at the massive deal they’re about to close or the ground-breaking app they’re launching “any day now.” But somehow, it never quite materializes.
Being excited about the future is great (I’m an optimist myself), but if your big plan’s only proof is talk, then the talk might be all it is.
5. Obsessing Over Appearances
They curate their social media down to the last pixel: private jet selfies, fancy resort check-ins, $8 coffee beverages (with the latte art, of course).
Sure, these places exist—but sometimes the illusions only exist online. It’s like they’ve traded actual security for “likes” and fleeting admiration.
6. Avoiding Direct Money Talk Like the Plague
Ever ask a direct question such as, “So, how’s business really doing?” and watch them dodge it like it’s contagious?
They might redirect the conversation (“Wow, is that the time already?”), or drop an unrelated anecdote about some well-known person.
If they’re comfortable discussing money in broad terms but clam up about actual details, that’s suspect.
7. Eager to One-Up Everyone
If you share something you’ve done (maybe a small victory in your own financial journey), they’re quick to pop in with something “bigger” or “better.”
You tell them you finally saved up for a trip to Italy; they’re booking a private villa in Tuscany (allegedly).
This one-upping game usually comes from deep insecurity—never a solid sign of real wealth.
8. Quick to Adopt New Trends (Financial or Otherwise)
Crypto? They’re all in. NFTs? Already minted. Next big stock tip? Cashed out the 401k. They jump from one trend to another, always claiming they’re on the cusp of the next big break. Real investors usually do more homework and invest over time. Rapid-fire jumping signals more of a FOMO spree than actual financial acumen.
“The investor of today does not profit from yesterday’s growth.” – Warren Buffett
Translation: jumping on a bandwagon just because everyone else is doing it rarely works out, and it definitely doesn’t mark you as wealthy in the long run.
Final Thoughts (And a Personal Nudge)
Look, I get it. Early in my own startup journey, I wanted to look more successful than I actually was. But I learned that pretending to be rich is like trying to hold a beach ball underwater—it takes constant effort, and sooner or later, it’s going to pop up in your face.
At the end of the day, it’s okay to dream big (I’m all for it). Just don’t substitute big talk for real progress. If you find yourself doing some of these eight things, it might be time to shift gears—pursue genuine financial stability instead of the image of it. And if you spot these signs in someone else, take their big claims with a grain of salt.
Building true wealth—monetary or otherwise—comes from consistent effort, learning from mistakes, and staying humble enough to keep growing. It might not be glamorous all the time, but trust me: it’s far more rewarding than any show you can put on.
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